Dr. Fahd Alsalloum

I am pleased to share my view on early intervention here, as I see many benefits in it, both for our young patients and their families and for the health system in Germany and neighbouring countries.

In the guidelines on interventions for children with cerebral palsy, stakeholders rated early diagnosis, early intervention and improving functioning as the most important points.

The international clinical guidelines show very clearly that intensive interventions for high-risk babies and babies who already meet the criteria for cerebral palsy should ideally take place between the ages of 0 and 2.

But is it even possible to diagnose cerebral palsy so early? Yes – international diagnostic guidelines were published as early as 2017. Imaging and standardised neurological examinations such as GMA and HINE make early diagnosis possible.

GMA – General Movement Assessment, HINE – Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination

Clinicians should understand the importance of immediate referral to diagnosis-specific early intervention in order to optimise the infant's motor and cognitive plasticity, prevent secondary complications and enhance caregiver wellbeing.

We started early intervention at the Schön Klinik Vogtareuth about 2 years ago, and we can see very clearly the benefits this intervention brings to children and their families.

Dr. Fahd Alsalloum
Senior consultant in neuropaediatrics

Centre for Paediatric Neurology, Neurorehabilitation and Epileptology
Schön Klinik Vogtareuth SE & Co. KG